Tsunami hits Indonesia’s Sunda Strait

On 22 December 2018 tsunami hit Indonesia along the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra island. Hundreds of people have been killed, injured and left homeless as giant waves caused widespread damage.

Pandeglang and Serang in Banten Province, and South Lampung and Tanggamus in Lampung Province are among the worst hit areas.

National and provincial authorities are carrying out search and rescue operations, and providing assistance to the affected people.

Thailand becomes first in Asia to introduce tobacco plain packaging

World Health Organization commends Thailand on implementing stronger tobacco control measures by adopting plain packaging for tobacco products. It becomes the first country in Asia and the first low and middle-income country to take this firm step against tobacco use, the single most important cause of preventable deaths worldwide.